Batting

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It's back to Cookeville for the Tennessee Tech baseball team as the Golden Eagles (24-6, 8-4) get set to host a huge Ohio Valley Conference series against in-state rival Austin Peay, beginning with a 6 p.m. CT contest against the Governors (10-19, 3-6) on Friday at Bush Stadium.

The Golden Eagles played just one midweek contest this week, defeating Alabama A&M on the road to finish their recent road stretch 3-1. Tech also took the final two games of a three-contest series at SIUE last weekend, moving to 8-4 in OVC play.

Starting seven freshman this season, the Governors have gone through some growing pains, as shown by their 3-6 mark in league play. Austin Peay was swept at home by Murray State over the weekend and enters the series against Tech after two midweek losses, falling at Western Kentucky and Indiana State.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR• The Tech leader in long balls, senior Brandon Thomasson continues to lead the Golden Eagles in power hitting, recording 21 extra base hits, including a team-high three triples and eight home runs. He also leads Tech with 35 RBI while posting a .341 average to go along with a .667 slugging percentage.

• For the second straight week, senior Daniel Miles leads the nation in hits, racking up 51 in just 29 games played this season. He still leads the OVC with a .436 average and 42 runs scored. His 28 RBI ranks third on the team while his .692 slugging percentage and .538 on-base percentage both lead the league.

• Already the all-time career leader in Tech history in RBI, Zach Stephens now sits just one home run away from A.J. Kirby-Jones' career record mark of 51. Stephens is also just two RBI away from 200 in his career.

• Shortstop Dylan Bosheers keeps finding ways to make an impact with the bat, driving in two runs against Alabama A&M Tuesday, including the game winning RBI. Bosheers is batting .381 with 30 RBI and 37 runs scored while already blasting five home runs. He had just six all of last season.

• Junior starter David Hess will look to bounce back Friday after being dealt his first loss of the season last weekend at SIUE. The right hander tossed a complete game while surrendering just three earned runs and striking out five in the tough luck loss.